Northern New Mexico Style Architecure Traits

All photos from the Hulse/Warman Gallery - Taos

In Northern New Mexico, Territorial period architecture was modified with a pitched metal roof. It can be assumed that at least part of the cause for this was weather-related, as a pitched roof will shed snow. Because of the scaricity of skilled crafters and the lack of railroad access  in Northern New Mexico, when Territorial in other locations was getting quite decorative, the style of architecture in the North was simplified - with very simple decorations and no use of brick. The combination was given its own style, called The Northern New Mexico style,  distinguished by:


Structure, Walls, and Exterior

• Adobe construction in one story
• U-shape or L-shape building footprint 
• Earth-toned mud or cement stucco plaster, and
• Little or no ornamentation

Roof

• Flat, hipped, or gable pitched metal roof

Interior

• Sometimes central hallway in Territorial fashion
  

Windows

• Wood Windows

Doors

• Panel wood doors, rarely with half-lite window glazing
  

 Details

• Courtyards and colonade porches, often along one entire side of the building

details of front porch - note the simplicity of detail

interior of former living area

Note the real earth plaster here - this is a labor of love!